Cryogenics and Superconductivity

Cryogenics at Institute of Scientific Instruments

The Cryogenics and Superconductivity Group started its activities in the research and development of superconducting magnets for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), including scientific and technical background for reaching and preserving very low temperatures down to 4.2 K. As time went on, the group has taken into account additional fields of cryogenics, such as vacuum technique, low temperature thermometry, material engineering, etc.

Presently the group deals with projects of basic as well as applied research. In both cases the group uses its comprehensive experimental background, in the Czech Republic entirely unique, for verifying and testing scientific and technical theories and knowledge. The own helium liquefier is a very important and supportive component.

Research orientation

Rayleigh-Bénard cryogenic convection: research activities at unique experimental facilities for study of turbulent Rayleigh-Bénard natural convection utilizing the cryogenic helium gas: transitions between different regimes of classical RBC flows at extreme values of Rayleigh numbers, understanding the connections between the classical and quantum turbulence via theoretical and experimental analyses of heat transfer laws.
Near field heat transfer at low temperatures: study of the radiative heat transfer over a microscopic gap between various thin films on dielectric substrates with variable temperatures. Superconductivity and its effects on the heat transfer in the near field regime are also analysed.
Characterization of thermal radiative properties of materials for cryogenics and space applications: assessment of a given surface´s ability to emit/absorb thermal radiation in a wide range of temperatures.
Analysis of thermal conductivity performance of insulating materials under controlled conditions.
Quantum phase transitions in mesoscopic systems: developing group theoretical models to study collective dynamics in mesoscopic systems, which display quantum phase transitions.
Collaboration with CERN on the cryogenic part of the project NA58 “COMPASS”.

The Cryogenics and Superconductivity group offers its experience in the following fields: